Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

NC Cancer Society promotes awareness

October is Breast Care Awareness Month and at least two local women who have battled breast cancer are hoping to spread the word.

Debbie Henson and Judy Duke are both active with the Nevada County Cancer Association, and both have faced the news - breast cancer. In an effort to bring attention to the need for cancer awareness, the NC cancer group is hosting a coffee at the Prescott-Nevada County Library meeting room, Oct. 12, from 10-11 a.m. That coffee will be in memory of Lenore Dalrymple, one of the founders of the Nevada County group. Dalymple passed away several weeks ago after a long battle with cancer.

Of those founders, Duke said, "They wanted to do something for cancer survivors and cancer patients in Nevada County.

That desire prompted the local cancer association, and the local group wanted to be sure that their efforts paid off for the people in the

county. Toward that end, they meet monthly to provide support for cancer patients, survivors, family, friends and caregivers.

During these meetings, members discuss those who have been recently

diagnosed with cancer. The groups first step is to send a cash donation to that person. The money is designated to help with travel expenses and other costs during the treatment period. The association also donates money for wigs, prosthetics and other expenses typically not covered by medical insurance.

That cash donation was what convinced Henderson to become part of the group.

"They sent me the money for travel," Henderson said. "Then I went to a meeting."

Though Henderson said she knew the group existed, she really had little understanding of what they did.

Both Henderson and Duke were relatively young when cancer was discovered.

Henderson said her diagnosis came when she went for a baseline mammogram - a mammogram designed to give doctors a reference point for future mammograms. She is cancer-free, but said her association with the group and her faith have made the battle easier.

Duke said another important function of the association is providing a network of information. They can help find appropriate care and even aid in the search for financial assistance and free or low-cost medical treatment.

The cancer association charges a $5 membership fee, sells bricks for the "Path of Memories" outside the library, holds an annual golf tournament, searches for grants and accepts donations.

For more information about the NC Cancer Association, support or financial assistance following a cancer diagnosis, or information about prevention, care and detection, contact Duke at 887-5506, or write to Anice Ward, P.O. Box 622, Prescott.

Both Duke and Henderson say a diagnosis of cancer can seem devastating, but it shouldn't be something a person has to endure alone,. Duke said providing support for cancer patients and survivors is an important function of the local association.

And early detection is the key.

The issue, Duke said, is that most people think they'll never personally

face cancer.

"Cancer is something that happens to somebody else," Duke said. "But there is life after cancer."